For this year, we talked about him playing what he calls "Bass Talk" - solos, duets, and other groups playing music composed by the great bass players. As he worked on this music, a band evolved with Dave Stryker, Scott Robinson, and drummer Dennis Mackrel.

They started with a Sam Jones tune, ended with a Paul Chambers tune, and a beautiful highlight was "What's New?" by bassist Bob Haggart.

Bassist Chris Brubeck was also slated to perform at Mohonk this year, but could not play. He'd fainted and fallen in the spa. He's okay, but spent the night at the Vassar hospital for tests.

"Chris Brubeck & Friends" was how the group was advertised, and the "Friends" played on, with Martin Wind filling in on bass.

I'd heard the Brubeck Brothers play a great concert in Montreal with Chuck Lamb playing piano. He lives in Denver but was able to come, and he was, as I wanted, spectacular.

They played Dave Brubeck classics (for me the tune that turned me on to jazz, "Strange Meadowlark") and originals of Chuck's and guitarist Mike DeMicco's, especially a highlighting song Chuck composed for his lady that danced from his fingers. Scott Robinson joined in on tenor sax for "In Your Own Sweet Way" and on bass sax for "Take Five."